For some, artistic creation is a passion passed down from one generation to the next. Following the family tree of the Bava family, at the start of the modern period in history, Eugenio Bava was getting started in motion pictures in Italy with an exceptional eye for capturing stories and creating pioneering special effects on film. Years later, his son, Mario Bava, was making his way in film, soon becoming one of Italy’s most noteworthy filmmakers, especially in Horror with films like Black Sunday in 1960, Black Sabbath in 1963, among others. Keeping the tradition going, Mario Bava’s son, Lamberto Bava, would act as an assistant director on his films such as 1971’s A Bay of Blood and 1977’s Shock.
Picking up a tremendous amount of experience, Lamberto Bava soon stepped out on his own and, in 1980, wrote/directed his first film, Macabre, which left a lasting impression. From here, he would direct a list of memorable Horror films such as 1983’s A Blade in the Dark, Demons and Demons 2 in 1985 and 1986, as well as Delirium in 1987. One of Italy’s most respected Horror film directors during this period, it is interesting to note that some of Lamberto Bava’s works have not been widely known or even released.
Providing insight into this enigma, the story goes that in the late 1980s, Lamberto Bava was called on to direct a four-part anthology series titled High Tension. Something that was supposed to be broadcast for Italian TV, he made four full-length films (1989’s Il maestro del terrore aka The Prince of Terror, L’uomo che non voleva morire aka The Man Who Wouldn’t Die, Il gioco aka School of Fear, and Testimone oculare aka Eye Witness). Each was a full-length movie with stories that kept you on the edge of your seat, filled with thrilling anticipation.
A great concept, it was one of two television-related projects Lamberto Bava was working on at the time. He was also contracted to have his film, The Mask of Satan, appear on a Spanish Horror series called Sabbath, which also premiered in 1989. All proof that he was coveted by many: here is the interesting part about the four films he made for the Italian High Tension series —they never aired. Yes, that is right, after Lamberto Bava submitted his movies to the executives in charge, they were a bit taken aback by the intensity of each of their contexts and graphic imagery, so they decided to scrap their airing.
It’s rather wild that, while it is true they eventually made it to Italian TV nearly a decade later, by and large, no one has been able to see them since. Sure, someone might have recorded the films from the broadcasts during that small window of opportunity some twenty-five years ago, but this would only make it possible to obtain a bootleg copy to view. However, in 2025, Severin Films stepped up to the plate and officially released the four forgotten Lamberto Bava films in a special Blu-ray box set called High Tension.
Released on August 26, 2025, through Severin Films, the box set is a must-have for Lamberto Bava fans, not just as a completist item, but because they are genuinely high-quality viewing experiences. Presented in a restored 2K format, each film is packaged in an individual Blu-ray case with its own artwork and unique special features (including interviews and more).
Severin Films gives these movies respectful attention as individual features rather than just melting them down into one entity. With that in mind, each film has its own unique character and storyline that grabs your attention, including screenwriting from Dardano Sacchetti (who worked on both Demons and Demons 2) for The Princess of Darkness and School of Fear, guaranteeing superb storylines that flow seamlessly.
There is also writing from Gianfranco Clerici (who worked on films such as 1972’s Don’t Torture a Duckling and 1980’s Cannibal Holocaust) for The Man Who Wouldn’t Die, and a common thread of soundtrack work from Simon Boswell (who has been prolific with scoring for others like Demons 2, 1987’s Stage Fright, and more).
Beyond this, there are some fantastic performances from the award-winning Tomas Arana in Prince of Terror, Alessandra Acciai in School of Fear, as well as Barbara Cupisti in Eye Witness. Speaking of Eye Witness, while all of the films are entertaining and full of tense situations, this film (also written by Lamberto Bava) is arguably the most compelling, with beautiful cinematography, a striking storyline, and relatable characters.
As stated, each film has its own mood, pace, and twists and turns. Yes, some are more graphic than others, but the balance of rawness and nuance is perfectly captured in each by Lamberto Bava and everyone else involved. As this is the first-ever official worldwide Blu-ray release of the films, the 2K restoration is quite solid, and it is evident that the best preservation was executed. Each film is matched with tons of extra features, and a bonus is the inclusion of a CD for School of Fear, featuring the entire soundtrack by Simon Boswell.
Overall, Lamberto Bava’s High Tension series’ official release was long overdue. At last, it is here and worth adding to any fan’s collection without reservation. That is why Cryptic Rock gives this new High Tension Blu-ray set from Severin Films 5 out of 5 stars.
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